Olympos the mountain of the gods

Greece’s highest mountain and the realm of the 12 Olympian gods promise you a divine experience

You may have already decided that you’re going to sit on the throne of Zeus with all Greece at your feet. Central Greece’s highest and most majestic mountain, Olympus, is a world in itself. And there is much to discover even if you don’t make it to the summit: gentle paths, hidden corners, towering trees, unique wildflowers and wild rocks, below and above the clouds. You can explore the foothills by car or mountain bike, but the greatest rewards will go to the hikers on these awesome peaks.
What to do in Olympus

Mytikas, 2,917m closer to heaven
Only birds (and planes) fly higher than Mytikas, the highest of Olympus’ peaks. It and the other slightly lower summits – Skolio, Stefani, Skala and Prophitis Ilias – that make up this massive range are often veiled in clouds. But when they part, there is no more dazzling sight than these dramatic natural spires boldly outlined against the deep blue firmament. After all, one of the meanings of the word Olympos has, since Homer’s days, been ‘shining’.

In the realm of the gods
As Homer described the shining palace of the gods of Ancient Greece, “Olympus was not shaken by winds nor ever wet with rain, nor did snow fall upon it, but the air is outspread clear and cloudless, and over it hovered a radiant whiteness.” (Odyssey, VI, 41) This whiteness inspires present-day climbers, too. With the proper equipment – boots and a stick – and a bit of determination, any reasonably fit person can reach the top, slowly but surely, a step at a time.

National Park and a unique ecosystem
At the heart of Olympus, the country’s single most important national park, you’ll commune with Greece’s ‘divine’ natural heritage. Ravines and ridges, gorges and plateaus, deep caves and daunting rocks will make impressive snapshots. But they’re not just photogenic. This mountain harbours more than 1,500 types of plants (some endemic), dozens of animal species and many rare birds.

Climbing to the summit
The path starts at Prionia, 1,100m above sea level. You can come this far by car but from here on, it’s just you and your legs. The E4 path also passes this way via Litohoro and the Epinea Gorge. It’s an average of three hours to the Spilios Agapitos refuge, maybe another three to Mytikas. But you don’t have to do it all in one day.